Rajasthan to hand over 50 urban PHCs to private players

The aim is to run these in public-private partnership (PPP) mode. Private entities would beexpected to run the primary health centre located in an urban area and the health kiosk that is nearby.

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JAIPUR: By 4pm on July 28, the state government has sought expression of interest from eligible private entities for the running of 50 urban primary health centres. The aim is to run these in public-private partnership (PPP) mode. The proposals will be opened on July 31.

This move is explained as necessary because access to healthcare remains uneven. The partnership will initially be for three years, and could be extended for another two.

Anticipating criticism, the invitation document says, "Such partnership should not be seen as a measure of the government abdicating responsibility to provide public health services, but rather as a transitional measure towards facilitating the state to be able to manage such facilities after the term of the partnership ceases."

It also says: "Government expects that the concession granted will not be treated as a business venture and will not be used to make profits."

And this is underlined: "Concessionaires may note that this is an invitation for bids solely comprising of technical bid without an accompanying financial bid."

The entity winning the bid would be expected to run the primary health centre located in an urban area and the health kiosk that is nearby. Services to be included are listed: primary healthcare package encompassing all outreach, including behavior change through health education and health promotion, critical and public health services".

Pregnancy, childbirth, infant care, childhood and adolescent healthcare, family planning and contraceptive services, management of communicable diseases, outpatient care for minor ailments and acute simple illnesses are expected to be provided. The government will reimburse costs.